- All resolutions passed at AGM with strong shareholder support, Nick Clarke leaves board after seven years of service
Gold-focused miner, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, has confirmed the formal appointment of July Ndlovu as Chairman of the Board, following the company’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in St Helier, where all resolutions were passed by a substantial majority of shareholders, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
John Kelly stood down as Chairman effective from the conclusion of the AGM, completing a planned succession process first announced on April 30, 2026. The Board immediately appointed Ndlovu, previously an independent non-executive director, as his successor.
The AGM also saw the departure of Nick Clarke, who did not stand for re-election as a director and has left the Board with immediate effect. Clarke had served on the Board since 2019, bringing extensive technical expertise and industry experience to Caledonia’s oversight of Blanket Mine and its growth strategy.
Strong shareholder backing
Shareholder turnout at the AGM was robust, with 103 shareholders present in person or by proxy, representing 56.47% of the company’s outstanding voting shares.
All director nominees standing for re-election received overwhelming support:
Mark Learmonth (CEO): 99.34% in favour
July Ndlovu: 99.08% in favour
John Kelly: 96.05% in favour
Stefan Buys: 98.09% in favour
Gordon Wylie: 88.09% in favour
Lesley Goldwasser: 89.45% in favour
Geralda Wildschutt: 88.21% in favour
Resolutions to reappoint BDO South Africa Inc as auditor and to authorise directors to approve their remuneration were also passed. Additionally, Ms Gadzikwa, Mr Wylie, Ms Wildschutt, and Ms Goldwasser were reappointed as members of the Audit Committee.
Ndlovu thanks outgoing director
Commenting on the Board changes, July Ndlovu, now formally installed as Chairman, said:
“On behalf of the Board and management team, I would like to thank Nick for his significant contribution to Caledonia since he joined the Board in 2019. His depth of mining experience and technical knowledge have been greatly valued, and his advice and support have been important to the Company over a number of years. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
John Kelly, who remains on the Board as a non-executive director, provides continuity alongside Ndlovu as the company advances its strategy, including the development of the Bilboes gold project.
Leadership transition amid growth phase
The orderly succession comes at a pivotal moment for Caledonia. The company recently reported first-quarter 2026 production of 14,767 ounces at Blanket Mine, maintaining full-year guidance of 72,000 to 76,500 ounces. It is also advancing the Bilboes gold project, which is expected to become Zimbabwe’s largest gold mine, with first production scheduled for late 2028.
In February 2026, Caledonia appointed Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe and CBZ Bank Limited as co-lead arrangers for an interim funding facility of up to US$150 million, forming part of a four-part funding strategy for Bilboes.
